Press Release on the Human Rights Situation in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

The
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), acting
through Commissioner Lawrence Mute,
the Country Rapporteur responsible for monitoring the human rights situation in
the Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia (Ethiopia), condemns the grenade attack on civilians which occurred
during a rally on Saturday 23 June 2018.

The attack took place during a rally which was being
held in in Addis Ababa’s Meskel Square, moments after H.E. Prime Minister Abiy
Ahmed had finished addressing the crowds, and reportedly resulted in the death
of two (2) people and one hundred and fifty six (156) wounded.

This rally was being held amidst positive
developments for the promotion and protection of human rights in Ethiopia which
have been initiated by H.E. Prime Minister Ahmed, including the release of political
detainees, moves to liberalize the economy, in addition to initiatives to
ensure the free exercise of human rights by Ethiopians, including freedom of
expression.

The Commission commends these developments and calls
on the Prime Minister and the Government of Ethiopia to continue working towards
the full realization of human and peoples’ rights in Ethiopia.

Additionally,
the Commission expresses its sincere condolences to the victims and their
families, and calls on the Government of Ethiopia to ensure prompt
investigation of the attack, prosecution of the perpetrators and provision of
redress to the victims, while upholding fundamental human rights and freedoms,
in line with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The African
Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights will remain actively seized of this matter.